'Allahu Akbar' to ring at Pahang Sultan's proclamation ceremony

The new Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah has ordered the phrase 'Allahu Akbar', which means God is Great, to be shouted on the occasion of his proclamation as the sixth Sultan of Pahang at Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan tomorrow.

The Tengku Muda of Pahang, Tengku Abdul Rahman Ahmad Shah, who shared the matter, said ‘Allahu Akbar’, the biggest phrase of Muslims, would be shouted three times before it was followed by the cry of 'Daulat Tuanku' three times.

Tengku Abdul Rahman said the shout of 'Allahu Akbar' was part of the new development to be performed at the proclamation ceremony of the Sultan of Pahang, the last of which took place 45 years ago.

"Of course, ‘Daulat Tuanku’ is a long-standing custom and this time there is a slight change as previously the proclamation was due to the death (of the previous sultan).

"So this proclamation is extraordinary and there are some which we are re-adjusting... we prepare as best as possible and hope everything proceeds well and blessed by God tomorrow," he told reporters after attending the proclamation ceremony rehearsal today.

Tengku Abdul Rahman said 1,600 guests during the ceremony would comprise relatives, state government leaders and community representatives including village chiefs in the state.

However, due to limited space, only 800 guests could watch the proclamation ceremony live, while other guests could follow the ceremony via the big screen in the banquet hall.

Asked whether his father Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah would attend tomorrow's ceremony, Tengku Abdul Rahman said his father's health condition did not allow him to do so.

Sultan Abdullah would be proclaimed as the sixth Sultan of Pahang tomorrow, as Sultan Ahmad Shah was gravely ill.

Sultan Abdullah and Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah also spent about half-an-hour witnessing the rehearsal at Istana Abu Bakar’s Balairung Seri.

-- Bernama